Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to Brent’s new Housing Damp and Mould Policy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)  To endorse Brent’s new Damp and Mould Policy.

(2)  To note the comments made on the status and next steps to deliver the policy commitments.

Councillor Robert Johnson (Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Residents and Housing Services which presented Brent’s new Damp and Mould Policy, including the Council’s approach to combatting the prevalence of damp and mould in Council homes, the consultation and engagement findings, the commitments captured within the policy and progress made to enact those commitments, and how the Council would deliver and monitor the strategy’s progress and impact.

In presenting the report, Councillor Johnson emphasised the serious impact damp and mould could have on residents’ wellbeing and quality of life, particularly for young children, older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. The Damp and Mould Policy presented the Council’s commitment to take a proactive, resident focused, zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould instances and ensured the Council was fully aligned to the requirements of Awaab’s Law and reflected emerging best practice across the housing sector. In commending the policy, Councillor Johnson confirmed that the commitments placed strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, effective communication and prioritising support to the most vulnerable residents, and established clear service standards, including response times for residents, providing greater assurance and accountability.

Further outlining the policy, Councillor Johnson affirmed that the Council recognised that inequalities could arise from poor housing conditions and therefore the policy committed to adopting a risk-based approach that targeted support where it was most needed, alongside robust monitoring arrangements with performance reporting to continually improve outcomes reflecting the level of cases being identified.

In summing up, Councillor Johnson confirmed that the policy focused on building trust with residents, listening to their concerns, responding swiftly to issues, and ensuring everyone living in a Brent Council home could do so with confidence and dignity.

In considering the report and policy, Cabinet commended the approach adopted in seeking to tackle issues of damp and mould, recognising the welcome impact of Awaab’s Law in placing legal obligations on landlords to address those issues robustly.  In support of the policy, members were keen to recognise the way in which the Council had sought to respond to the legislation in seeking to reinforce the commitment towards raising standards for Brent residents. Members particularly noted the commitment to improved customer service and swift responses to reflect the standards residents should expect from the Council and emphasised the significant public health consequences that could arise from damp and mould. It was also welcomed that the policy made clear that the Council would not apportion blame or unfairly attribute damp and mould to residents’ lifestyles and instead focused on providing safe, decent and sustainable homes.

Having commended the approach towards addressing damp and mould in a timely manner to ensure residents could live good quality lives in decent accommodation, Cabinet RESOLVED to endorse Brent’s new Damp and Mould Policy.